The present reality often seems difficult to grasp — an era in which everyday life is shaken by incredible news, forecasts, and prophecies. In response to this emotional backdrop, artist Kirils Panteļejevs in his exhibition “Gora Spirits” invites us to yield to fantasy, hope, and symbols from ancient cultures.
The works are inspired by the mythology of various peoples. The artist has chosen mythical birds from Southern and Eastern Slavic myths — Sirin, Alkonost, and Gamayun, who possess the powers of prophecy and enchantment. From Greek mythology appears the Phoenix, and from Iranian mythology the Simurgh, the wise bird. These figures are also characterized by human features — heads and torsos with feminine traits: long hair, breasts, delicate faces. Each figure is life-sized, with an individually created character and details that connect mythical symbolism with contemporary reality.
The exhibition is specially adapted to the space of The Embassy of Latgale GORS, allowing the works to be placed at different heights, imitating flight. The sculptures are accompanied by sound effects reminiscent of healing — another quality attributed to mythical birds.
“The architecture of The Embassy of Latgale GORS is very complex; the interior as an exhibition space has a combined volume — from ground level to the roof — which makes it possible to place objects at different levels. An important part of the exhibition’s concept is the question of aesthetic values in contemporary architecture: what messages can today’s architectural forms convey, how can they speak to society in a broad cultural context, and what kind of environment is created in collaboration with the artist. It has been proven that environment is one of the most important factors in aesthetic education,” says exhibition author Kirils Panteļejevs.
Kirils Panteļejevs was born in 1969 in Riga. He studied art at the Latvian Academy of Art and at Humboldt State University in California, USA. In 2004 he received a Master’s degree in Art. He works in sculpture, environmental art, and performance, and is also a lecturer at the Design Department of the Latvian Academy of Art. His creative biography includes 12 solo exhibitions as well as participation in significant group exhibitions and international art events in Europe, the USA, and South Korea — including art fairs, biennials, cultural festivals, and symposiums. Significant events: Biennale “Marina 2023” (Jūrmala), “Mobile Museum” (LLMC project), Boļševička Factory 2021 (Riga), “POSITION BERLIN”, represented by gallery Māksla XO, 2021 (Berlin), Korean Experimental Art Festival 2010 (Seoul), “Homo urbanus – homo sapiens?” Westpark 2008 (Amsterdam), “Sense in Place” Cardiff 2005 (Wales).
Northern Latgale holds many valuable testimonies and the legacy of outstanding artists. One of them is sculptor Leo Jānis Briedītis. Marking the centenary of his birth, a memorial exhibition has been created reflecting the sculptor’s creative life.
Leo Jānis Briedītis was a versatile artist — painter, graphic artist, and sculptor. From 1966 he devoted special attention to the field of abstract monumental sculpture, extensively using stainless steel. His works are located in the squares and parks of ten cities in Sweden, leaving a significant mark both in the art landscape and in public space.
The artist’s style is characterized by sculptural objects, large-scale fountains, and wall decorations, using a variety of materials — stainless steel, brass, bronze, and iron.
“At the Latvian Academy of Art, Leo Jānis Briedītis studied painting, but he received his higher professional education in sculpture in Sweden. There he could freely turn to abstract form solutions without restrictions. The traits inspired by his Latvian roots seemed to manifest most clearly in the search for motifs in nature and in the deliberate clarity of his forms. The sculptor paid particular attention to integrating sculpture into the specific landscape environment of each site. Creating large works sometimes required the involvement of assistants — executors. However, the final finishing of the mirror-polished surfaces, the so-called ‘master’s touch’, he always carried out himself,” wrote art historian Ruta Čaupova about the artist’s creative achievements.
Leo Jānis Briedītis was born in 1922 in Rugāji, Balvi district. He studied at the Latvian Academy of Art from 1942 to 1944. During World War II, he emigrated to Sweden, continuing his studies at the Stockholm Academy of Art and Uppsala University, where he also studied art history. He achieved notable success in international competitions, receiving medals in Rome, London, and elsewhere.
He always maintained a close connection with Latvia, regularly attending art events and participating in important exhibitions, including the 1990 Sculpture Quadrennial.
The Art Gallery of The Embassy of Latgale GORS is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 21:00.
More information: www.latgalesgors.lv or on the GORS social media pages Facebook and Instagram.
Translated using AI, if you spot any mistakes in the translation feel free to write us an e-mail (gors.vestis [at] rezekne.lv) highlighting the mistake.
